Thinking of studying early childhood education in Australia? Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119652J) is a 1-year Certificate III delivered by Australian National Education Pty Ltd for international students. This qualification is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), ensuring it meets Australian standards for international education. As a CRICOS-registered course, it allows international students to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) and gain practical skills in early childhood education. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses across Australia, this program provides a pathway to work in childcare centres, kindergartens, and preschools. HeadStart Academy sources all data directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to give you accurate, up-to-date information—free of charge, with no referral fees or commissions.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care sits within the field of education (07) and specifically in teacher education for early childhood (070101). At AQF Level 3, this certificate introduces students to foundational principles of child development, play-based learning, health and safety, and inclusive practices. Graduates learn to support children's wellbeing, foster learning through play, and work effectively with families and communities. While the exact curriculum is set by Australian National Education Pty Ltd, typical topics include: supporting children's development, providing care for infants and toddlers, implementing learning experiences, and complying with legal and ethical frameworks. This qualification does not lead to a dual qualification or foundation studies—it is a standalone certificate designed to prepare students for entry-level roles in early childhood settings or to progress to a Diploma.
According to the CRICOS register, this course has a duration of 1 year (52 weeks). The language of instruction is English, and it is a single qualification (not a dual or combined award). Students attend classes full-time, typically with a mix of classroom learning and supervised work placement. Australian National Education Pty Ltd does not offer this course in a part-time or online mode for international students—full-time attendance is a requirement of the Student visa (Subclass 500). The course is delivered in two locations: Belconnen, ACT, and Surry Hills, NSW. Both campuses provide access to learning resources and support services for international students.
Fees for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Australian National Education Pty Ltd are indicative and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Tuition fees are A$16,500, and non-tuition fees (such as enrolment, materials, and admin) are A$1,750, bringing the estimated total to A$18,250. These fees are set by the provider and subject to change—always confirm with Australian National Education Pty Ltd before applying. Note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge are not included. For a detailed breakdown of student living expenses in Canberra and Sydney, visit our state guides. All costs are in Australian dollars.
Entry requirements for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care are determined by Australian National Education Pty Ltd. As a general guide, international students need an IELTS overall score of 5.0 to 5.5 (or equivalent) and must have completed Australian Year 10 or equivalent. Prior qualifications in education or childcare are not mandatory but may be beneficial. This course does not have foundation study options—students must meet the provider's entry criteria directly. For specific academic and English language requirements, refer to the provider's website. All CRICOS-registered courses require students to demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status and sufficient financial capacity.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 60 weeks at 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 1,200 hours of industry placement. This is a work-integrated learning arrangement where students apply their classroom knowledge in real early childhood settings such as childcare centres, kindergartens, or preschools. Under the supervision of qualified educators, students develop practical skills in caring for children, planning activities, and maintaining safe environments. This placement is a core part of the qualification and may be arranged by Australian National Education Pty Ltd at partnered facilities in Canberra or Sydney. International students must hold a valid Student visa with work rights to participate.
Australian National Education Pty Ltd delivers this course at two campuses: 8 Chandler Street, Belconnen, ACT, and Level 6, 128 Chalmers Street, Surry Hills, NSW (Bankstown area). The Belconnen campus is located in Canberra's northern suburbs, a quiet area with good public transport links and proximity to the University of Canberra. The Surry Hills campus is in central Sydney, close to Central Station and surrounded by cafes, shops, and student housing. Both cities have large international student communities—Sydney is home to over 200,000 international students across dozens of CRICOS providers, while Canberra hosts more than 20,000 students. Living costs vary: Sydney weekly rent (shared) averages A$300–$450, while Canberra is around A$250–$400. Groceries and transport are slightly higher in Sydney.
International students enrolling in this CRICOS-registered course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). The visa allows full-time study and work rights of 48 hours per fortnight during term, with unlimited work during scheduled breaks. All students must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and travel. The Department of Home Affairs assesses each application individually—visa grant is not guaranteed. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; consult a registered MARA agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au for advice. The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act protects your rights, including tuition fee protection and course information transparency.
Choosing between the Belconnen (ACT) and Surry Hills (NSW) campuses depends on your lifestyle preferences. Canberra offers a quieter, more affordable study environment with easy access to nature and a growing early childhood sector. Sydney provides a bustling multicultural city with endless networking opportunities but higher living costs. Both locations have strong public transport—Belconnen is served by buses to Civic and the city, while Surry Hills is a 10-minute walk from Central Station. For international students, both cities have support services, international student societies, and part-time job opportunities. Consider your budget, climate preference, and career goals when choosing. HeadStart Academy's location guides can help you compare.
Ready to start your early childhood education journey? Visit Australian National Education Pty Ltd’s website to apply, or use HeadStart Academy's course finder to compare similar programs in your preferred location.
View the full Australian National Education Pty Ltd profile →
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian National Education Pty Ltd. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.